Introduction

Robert the Bruce is a 2019 American historical fiction war film directed by Richard Gray concerning the renowned king of the same name.

A character-driven ensemble piece, it portrays Bruce’s relationship with a peasant family as a galvanising influence on his struggle for independence and his ensuing reign.

It is a sequel Braveheart (1995); also see Outlaw King (2018).

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Outline

Following a series of military losses, with his army in tatters and the success of his rebellion in doubt, Robert retreats from the battlefield. Alone, injured, and pursued by fortune-seekers intent on collecting a bounty placed on his head by King Edward of England, he finds refuge in the croft of a peasant woman and the three children in her care: a teenage nephew, a young niece, and her own son. They care for him, forging a powerful bond, even though their clan is aligned with England. This connection inspires Robert with a deeper understanding of the patriotism of ordinary Scots, which drives his passionate return to the national stage and, ultimately, to victory and independence.

Cast

• Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce.
• Jared Harris as John Comyn.
• Anna Hutchison as Morag.
• Patrick Fugit as Will.
• Zach McGowan as Brandubh.
• Gabriel Bateman as Scot.
• Talitha Bateman as Iver.
• Emma Kenney as Briana.
• Shane Coffey as Finley.
• Kevin McNally as Seán.
• Melora Walters as Ylfa.
• Diarmaid Murtagh as James Douglas.
• Daniel Portman as Angus McDonald.
• Brandon Lessard as Carney.

Production

The film was announced in February 2018, with Angus Macfadyen reprising his role from Braveheart (1995). Jared Harris, Anna Hutchison and Patrick Fugit were also cast amongst others.

Filming had begun by February 2019.

In order to film the harsh winters which existed in Scotland during these times, the crew utilised the snow-covered hills lining the Yellowstone River (Paradise) Valley, south of Livingston, MT, for those needed shots.

Release

The world premiere of Robert the Bruce took place at the Edinburgh Film Festival on 23 June 2019. It was released in the UK on 28 June 2019. Signature Entertainment released the official theatrical trailer for the UK on 07 June 2019.

The film was scheduled to be released in the United States with a premiere screening by Fathom Events for one-night-only on 16 April 2020 with a limited theatrical release on 24 April 2020 by Screen Media Films, to coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fathom Events cancelled the premiere and limited release. Braveheart was also scheduled for a theatrical re-release by Fathom Events in March 2020 for its 25th anniversary and in promotion for Robert the Bruce, but it was also cancelled.

Box Office

Robert the Bruce grossed £19,026 in the UK on its opening weekend (28/06/19) and £98,691 for its UK theatrical run. $TBD in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of £98,691.

Home Media

Signature Entertainment released the film in the United Kingdom, on DVD and Blu-ray disc, on 04 November 2019. The sole extra feature is an audio commentary with director Richard Gray and co-writer and star Angus Macfadyen. Screen Media Films released the film in the United States on DVD only on 02 June 2020.

Trivia

• Outlaw King (2018) stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, but depicts different events.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Richard Gray.
• Producer(s): Angus Macfadyen.
• Writer(s): Eric Belgau and Angus Macfadyen.
• Music: Mel Bliss.
• Cinematography: John Garrett.
• Editor(s): Hayley Miro Browne.
• Production: Yellow Brick Films.
• Distributor(s): Signature Entertainment and Metro International.
• Release Date: 23 June 2019 (Edinburgh) and 28 June 2019 (UK).
• Running time: 124 minutes.
• Rating: 15/R.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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